UK+Environment



  __**White Cliffs of Dover**__

The White Cliffs of Dover have always been a tremendous inspiration for the English people to see and admire as they were leaving or arriving during their travels to the continent from Dover, or indeed flying back home from a sortie for those in the RAF. During World War II their mental picture helped to give great hope and a purpose for survival to those men and women who fought in two wars away from these shores, that they would hopefully,one day return to see them again and know they were back in their England, the sceptered Isle.

They are world renown as a symbol of England and for the English of homecoming.

=__**The South East**__=

South East England is a region rich in experiences. It has something to offer every age group and every traveller. Whether you are looking at visiting for a weekend or a month this region has everything you could want. Over the years, authors of novels to writers of classics have lived in and gained inspiration from the South East of England, with its rich mix of historical cities, wonderful sea bordered countryside, the stunning scenery and historical attractions have provided the perfect setting for many movies and TV shows. The South East has played an important role in the military history of Britain from great naval battles to world wars, there are sites across the South East that play tribute to this past. Strong royal connections, royal residences, stately homes, castles, fortresses and momentous events mean’s the region has seen many Royal visitors and residents. Relax in the tranquil settings of some of the most beautiful gardens and parks, stroll through the streets, villages, towns and cities and experience the architectural heritage on offer. For a spot of retail therapy the South East has it all: premier shopping centers, unique boutiques and designer outlets - pure heaven!

=__**South West**__= "I love the West Country, the countryside, the sea and the gulls." Fern Britton The South West is a region of contrasts - Wiltshire, where South West England begins less than an hour from London; Gloucestershire, home to the Forest of Dean and the Cotswolds; Dorset, an area of outstanding natural beauty and bordered by the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site; Bristol and Bath, with centuries of history and culture; Somerset, a mix of heather covered Exmoor and the levels of Sedgemoor; Devon, with two coastlines and wide open spaces; Cornwall, bounded by the sea and steeped in Celtic tradition with the delightful Scilly Isles, each with its own features and attractions. Majestic cathedrals grace cities like Salisbury, Gloucester, Wells, Truro and Exeter while Bath boasts famous Roman remains and Georgian splendour. Maritime history features strongly in Plymouth from where the Pilgrim Fathers and Sir Francis Drake sailed. And for contemporary arts, Bristol, the largest city in the South West, is home to the wonderful Arnolfini. Wherever you go you will see spectacular scenery, wonderful countryside and a beautiful coastline. Walk the coastal paths, discover sandy beaches, dramatic cliffs, secluded coves and picturesque fishing villages, or visit the larger and livelier resorts. Inland, visit prehistoric sites, villages with thatched, cob cottages and riverside pubs, stately homes with landscaped gardens or the wide open spaces of the wonderful National Parks, Exmoor and Dartmoor.

=__**London**__= With over 30,000 shops and stores to choose from, as well as a burgeoning reputation in the fashion world, shoppers will not be disappointed - from designer labels in Bond Street to bustling street markets in Camden, Notting Hill or Brick Lane. The capital also has 400 live music venues, catering for everything from opera to Brit pop and sports fans will not be short of excitement whenever they come. The summer sees the world’s largest classical musical festival at the Royal Albert Hall – the Proms. In the 21st century, London has reinvented itself on a monumental scale. Don’t miss the amazing views from the ultra modern British Airways London Eye, the world’s most visited modern art gallery, Tate Modern, or the staggering scale of the British Museum Great Court. Also, don't miss trips to Firepower, the artillery museum in Woolwich or the Museum in Docklands.

=__**East**__= Beautiful half-timbered villages, bustling market towns, rolling landscapes and impressive coastlines - England as you always thought it should be is right on London's doorstep, only a short journey north of the capital. Incorporating the ancient kingdom of East Anglia, the East of England covers the six history-rich counties of Suffolk, Norfolk, Essex, Cambridgeshire, Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire - a region where tradition is a way of life, eccentric customs are commonplace and people take the time to offer the warmest of welcomes. The top cities include Cambridge, with its world famous university and breath-taking architecture, and Norwich complete with its 900 year old cathedral, Norman castle, great open market, numerous medieval churches and bustling nightlife. But don't miss Colchester - Britain's oldest recorded town (near the port of Harwich in Essex), or St. Albans in Hertfordshire, with its magnificent cathedral and historic remains of the Roman city of Verulamium. The Broads offers over 125 miles of navigable waterways through one of Britain's newest national parks. Wildlife lovers will be far from disappointed by the range of coastal and Fenland bird reserves. Whilst cyclists of all abilities will enjoy touring quiet country lanes from quaint village to medieval church to country pub. Historic coastlines boasting international music festivals lead on to sandy beaches just made for family holidays. Sedate Victorian seaside resorts sit alongside fishing harbours and oyster creeks. Smugglers' inns nestle close to the waters where Lord Nelson learnt to sail, or Elizabeth I rallied her ships. Inland there are landscapes which inspired the famed English painters, Constable and Gainsborough, picturesque medieval villages such as Lavenham and Georgian towns which remind of weaving industries, hanseatic trading and prosperity past. The East of England boasts gardens galore, magnificent red brick manor houses such as Hatfield House in Hertfordshire, or Kentwell Hall in Suffolk (where Tudor life is recreated every summer) - plus a wide range of stately homes, historic houses and ancient castles. There is plenty of family fun from steam railways and rich aviation heritage to wildlife parks, and accommodation to suit every style and budget.

=__**Heart of England**__= Like the rest of England, the Heart of England is charmingly individual, but the bonus is that the Heart of England is at the hub of Britain’s road network, so exploring every last bit of it is made very easy! You don’t have to fly into London because there is the international airport at Birmingham right in the center of the region. Birmingham is also now able to offer a world-class cultural scene, superb shopping, top attractions, fantastic nightlife, major international events and exhibitions Take some time to visit the Cotswolds, taking in the many honey-coloured villages. The potteries of Staffordshire to the north of the region are juxtaposed with Shakespeare’s Stratford-on-Avon and the nearby lesser-known parts of Warwickshire. Close by lies the Black Country, and a visit here will reveal a rich seam of art, crafts, tradition and culture with modern architectural design sitting alongside villages from the Victorian era. Explore the counties of Herefordshire and Shropshire along the beautiful borderlands of England and Wales, sampling the myriad of excellent restaurants and locally produced food. Don’t forget to discover the real taste of the countryside in Herefordshire’s famous cider. In Worcestershire you can find fine churches, historic buildings and a thriving arts scene with internationally acclaimed festivals and events. This is just a taster of what’s on offer in the Heart of England, you have to come here yourself to discover the rest.

=__**East Midlands**__= Venture across the dramatic landscape of the Peak District National park or the rolling Lincolnshire Wolds. Look skywards to catch a glimpse of the exhilarating Red Arrows practising in their homeland skies, then go underground to hear the echoes in deep caverns and caves. Prefer to live it up? Make for historic Lincoln, Nottingham, Derby or Leicester where fine Asian cuisine is spicily sumptuous. Seek out traditional local fare too - delicious cheeses, gingerbread and the famous Melton Mowbray pork pies.

=__**Yorkshire**__= Yorkshire is your open door to so many different experiences. It’s big and boundless, a mix of magnetic landscapes, seductive seascapes and vibrant cities that change by the minute and the mile. Unwind in its quieter side among timeless green vales and dales dotted with traditional villages. Be part of the buzz of a fast-moving city scene. Feel sea breezes in your face and sand between your toes at charming seaside resorts and salty old harbours. Tuck into the best fish and chips you’ve ever tasted, then savour the finest sophisticated cuisine at award-winning restaurants and inns. Take a trip back in time at atmospheric castles, abbeys and historic houses. Or leap forward to the future at state-of-the-art attractions. Yorkshire is a unique mix of influences and inspirational places. It’s restful and zestful, forward looking yet founded on a bedrock of traditional values. We’re a friendly, straight-talking lot in these parts. And we take great pride and pleasure in introducing visitors to Yorkshire’s many and varied faces. Plain speaking may be part of Yorkshire’s character, but there’s nothing plain about this captivating part of Britain. Country or city, trendy or traditional, ancient history or cutting-edge contemporary – Yorkshire has it all.

=__**North West**__= This is the region for city breaks, exploring famously-fashionable haunts, historic streets and buildings. It’s a region to walk, cycle and discover the landscapes and wildlife of unspoilt villages. There is always a feast of sporting entertainment including international cricket, championship golf courses and Premiership football. England's Northwest is also bursting with cultural confidence, from outstanding national museums and galleries to magical sculptures and blockbuster theatre events. There are great places to stay in chic city centre hotels, rural retreats, country houses and cosy pubs. You’ll find it all in England’s Northwest.

=__**North East**__= North East England is a place of contrast. The right-hand side is seaside and the left-hand side heathery hills and moody mountains with the famous World Heritage Site Hadrian's Wall running right through the middle. The result? There’s lots to do, both indoors and out. Sparkling cities like NewcastleGateshead and Durham are thriving with lots of shopping and plenty of nightlife. Bustling market towns and pretty villages are scattered around the region. North East England can lay claim to being The Cradle of English Christianity - St Aidan came to Holy Island in AD635 and English history was first written by Bede, at Jarrow. There’s also Durham, with "the finest Norman Cathedral in the world". It has been home to pioneers across the centuries. The world’s first public railway steamed into lifehere and the award-winning Gateshead Millennium Bridge is one of the world’s most celebrated pieces of architecture. Characters! The North East is filled with them! Naturally friendly, people will make time to tell you about the place that fills them with pride. Enjoy a taste of British life here and you can be guaranteed of a truly passionate experience in North East England.

So as you can see England has a very wide range of places to visit and things to see.